I am back from travels, and apologize for slow posting on my part as well.
No complaints about anyone else from this quarter.
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Forget if I posted this, but I am also away until next Tuesday. I’ll try to get on and contribute as I can.
Merion has an idea and rushes over to Arren, whispering Let's give them something to shoot at. If I make the visuals, will you do the sound? I'm thinking a bunch of archers. Then he pulls out a bit of fleece from his pocket and looks to her, then up at the castle walls.
Thanks. That wouldn't have changed Merion's action, which was driven by seeing how incapable we are of breaking through the door.
Merion looks over at Ewan. I don't like being shot at where I can't get at them. He looks around for any sort of cover from the projectiles firing from above. Should we at least make for the stairs? Falling back that way, he whispers to Ewan and Arren, I can make it look like we've left, or have a dragon, or something. Maybe we can lure them out?
They're shooting at us! Maybe we can take them from this side. Merion winces looking at the bolt, and reaches in with a dagger to try and work the bar up off the bracket on the other side of the door.
If that works, he'll push the door open. If not, he'll say I can't get it! Should I go help the others?
I am having computer issues. Should have a post up this evening once I can borrow one.
Merion is listening for sounds of conflict--does he hear what's going on upstairs? And does Robin see anyone leaving the building on the other side?
Merion falls back from the door and says softly to Arren and Ewan They're still behind the door here. If it sounds like Ivar and Nempura made it down there, I'm going to try and raise the bar on the door. Unless you have a better idea? He rolls his hand in a circle about his chest, muttering Skydas. Then he looks around for Helgar, then quietly approaches the door from the side, looking back at the others for some sort of guidance.
Robin, fly up and see if people run out of the building. Merion examines the doorway, looking to see if there is enough of a gap to raise the bar from this side. He is also listening to see if that thud was the people in the room leaving from the other side.
If there is, he will stick a dagger into the gap and try to pry the bar up. If not, he'll back up and say to Arren, I think they ran away. Let's look for another exit on the other side.
When Robin returns, Merion has the bird sit on his shoulder, but warns him to fly away if there is any danger. He has his rapier drawn and is trying to look like he knows what he's doing, glancing over to Ewan periodically as he moves along at Nempura's shoulder.
As they approach the door, he looks to the bard for guidance, whispering I don't think anyone's here. Just to be safe... He makes a complex gesture with his hand and adds under his breath Tejumere, concentrating on the tower, then shifting focus to the broken stones.
Well, we're here. Merion looks up at the structure, towering over the group even though it's small as castles go. Back home this would barely be a mansion, but it seems pretty huge out in the woods like this. He asks Robin to fly over the walls and see if there is human-sized cover from the rain on the inside, or any living creatures, human-type or animal-type.
As the bird flies off, Merion himself has a look around. If the roof is still intact, it would be nice to have more than trees to rest under. It looks like someone else had a similar idea at some point, though. Any idea how old the tracks are?
No doubt there have been other adventuring parties here throughout the ages, Merion pitches in. I can send Robin to see if there are signs of life, but beyond that yet, let's rest up as well we can. He thinks a request to the bird to fly to a tree where he can see that rock and see if there is anyone there.
Whoa there! Merion turns to try to calm his horse, but pulls on the reins in precisely the wrong way.
Whew, Merion breathes a sigh of relief and goes to fetch his hand crossbow from where he tossed it. If this is common in these woods, no wonder people aren't. He finds Robin and rewards him with a few bread crumbs from his hand. Good warning there.
Drat this thing! Merion takes his action to toss the hand crossbow behind him into the cart and draw his rapier. Under his breath, he mutters Got to take more lessons from Ewan on how to draw more rapidly.
Merion decides he can spare the wand's charge, especially as he has the creature up in his face. Stepping 5 feet back behind the wagon and looking for a clear shot, he aims at the creature with his hand crossbow and tries to avoid hitting Albin.
Merion barely has time to register Robin's arrival, and no time to alert the others, before the noise of whatever's coming does that for him. He manages to keep his seat on his horse, however, and his hands on his wand and crossbow. Can't fight like this, and don't think we're going to have much luck running. He takes the moment to dismount, and looks at what Ivar's doing, then at the rear of the wagon, looping his reins around whatever part of the wagon seems handy. To Arren, he says softly Whatever's coming sounds big and strong. You said your powers include draining strength from creatures? That might come in handy.
It's big, Merion adds. Dangerous, but not immediate. To Robin, Is it coming toward us? If so, come back. He shuffles in his pack and retrieves a short wand of silvery wood and a hand crossbow, which he loads and then holds in his right hand, the wand in his left.
Merion quietly says to the party member in front of him, Something's coming. Pass the word to Nempura and Ivar to be wary? He reaches out through his empathic bond to Robin. What is making that noise over there?
We've reached the trees, so Merion releases Robin to fly ahead into the woods. He follows behind the leading group, happy to let them handle the thick undergrowth. To anyone else who is hanging back, he remarks Very different than the city. I didn't expect everything to be so close and tangled.
Merion considers acquiring a machete, but, upon hefting a couple, decides that a weapon that relies on the strength of one's arm rather than one's skill will not serve him well. I'll follow along behind someone, he shrugs. I'm not much of a woodsman. But as they get going, he asks Robin to, once they get to the woods, scout ahead by a few hundred feet in the trees. All you have to do is look for what I'd find scary, and stay out of reach of what you find scary.
Merion spent the rest of the evening continuing to listen to travelers' tales in the tavern, trying to confirm whether anyone knows anything about the forest. Finally convinced that it truly is a place of mystery to all but adventurers, he retired late, and spent some time reviewing all he's learned about the group and quest. In the morning, he checks in again with Robin. You may be a bird until it's time for us to go. We are leaving this morning, so don't stray too far. Rejoining the group, he listens to Ewan and Nempura's exchange. When there's a break in the conversation, he asks Ewan I hope these maps survived in readable form. Paper doesn't age well in the elements. Is the reward just for the maps, or making sure they lead to where they say they do?
Merion quietly replies to Ivar, The non-specifics. I'm sure there are all kinds of nooks and crannies, and he may have had reasons. But if the best story we have of those woods is a century-old tale of adventuring, I think it's safe to say they are not frequently traversed by ordinary folk. Ivar seems unduly angry at the man's tale, interesting. A point in favor of what Albin's been telling us, is all. And suggesting that this "bandit queen" may indeed be hiding there, though probably at a point an easy journey to the roads people do travel on.
Merion turns to the others after the half-elf departs. I'd still file most of that under speculation. Looks to me like the forest is a land of mysteries to most of the locals--anything could be in there. Bandits or the like. Or our Albin's mythical riches. Wild bandits, answering to no one but themselves. What chaos. It must be self-limiting in some way, or else there's more of a guard presence than we've seen. Those people at the bridge would have been less amateurish, otherwise.
Merion continues to gently press the conversation with the half-elf. Have you been through the woods? There's always tales of 'just over the horizon' but stories of first-hand experience are almost always better. Our experience on the road into Dulwich was quiet, but it'd be good to know if we just got lucky. He then quiets down. People will always tell more if you just let them talk, especially if you don't contradict or sound impressive.
I'm skeptical, Merion says to Ivar. Bandits are known for liking trumped-up names, less so for organization. Well, some at least. Elves, though, who can tell with them? To the serving girl or any locals who he can pick for rumor, he'll ask Does this 'bandit queen' operate out of the woods south of here, or are they too far from the road for good banditry? She must have a good sized force and strong hideout, or are there not enough soldiers to pursue her? Merion is much more familiar with the workings of urban organized crime, and is curious as well as fishing for tales of the forest (less so for details and more to see if they're grounded in reality, i.e. if the townsfolk ever actually go into the forest).
Merion did not join the group in the Dancing Bear, but found an empty seat near some random other diners. He springs for the leek and chestnut stew, and takes a mug of ale to go with. Once Hanath arrives, he shifts to a vantage point where he can listen to the goings on at the table the merchant sits at, but still be among a crowd. He'll make conversation with those he sits next to by inquiring The drawings make those two wanted people look fearsome. What did Bareli desert from, and what did Firean do? (-3 since Robin is not within reach)
Merion listens to Arren describe the magical effects she can produce, and thinks. Some of that sounds like things I've read about...
Draining the strength from people sounds like it would be useful in a fight, he replies. If you have a direct link to some of the powers beyond powers...all I've learned is certain words and gestures that call upon what's out there. It works reliably, if done consistently--he nods to Ewan's mention of his speech impediment--but I might as well be speaking Sçiłon for all I know what the words mean.
Merion adds to Arren as they go along, Ewan's a good teacher, yes. He's been practicing with me when we've had the chance. More comfortable with the group, including another of the new members, after the trip, he lets himself ramble. But there's a lot of other ways to be useful in a fight. You have magical talent of a sort, no? I've studied a bit as well, and with a bit of preparation I think there's a lot I could do better than just stabbing with a sword. What are some of the tricks you've learned? -- Regarding continuing to work with Hank, he adds to Nempura, I myself will have to return to my normal duties upon our return, but I thought you all were planning to as well, rather than traveling further afield... And pass the word on what I've learned about the south...though I'm sure Fruen knows all that already. -- Merion also adds to Arren as Nempura leaves, I think I'll go along and quietly observe. It'll give me something to do in any case. -- In the meantime, Merion heads toward the Dancing Bear. Before he goes, he calls Robin back. Could you follow where that man [Albin] is going? I'm curious. Once he goes into a building make sure you can lead me to it. I'll be out in a few hours. Entering the Dancing Bear, he makes an order for a drink and whatever they're serving, and takes a seat in the corner of the common room. Using Face in the Crowd, he makes himself appear a quiet generic adventurer. There he listens to the talk among the other guests, and waits for Nempura or Hanath to appear. .
Let's go to the closest one, Merion suggests, checking the book in his bag to ensure it is wrapped in waterpoof oilpaper. He releases Robin with a mental note. We'll not be traveling more today, so no fear of wandering off.
Apologies, I know I'm one that has fallen off. Things keep being crazy with work and home both. I'll try to do better.
Merion has listened to this conversation, but his eyes keep being drawn south. Just beyond the horizon, there are woods that apparently run days in length, full of all the various dangers and excitements. He marks Helgar's metaphysical turn, along with the surprising depths of personality the others are showing him. Philosopher-kings all, it seems. He finds his various loyalties pulled in a new way, along with the tension between his excitement at this adventure and desire to have his mission completed. To Albin, he asks Are you serious about the lycanthropes? Before we all silver up our weaponry on that word.
All that sounds very dangerous. Merion's voice is tinged with excitement, or possibly apprehension. Crossing swords with humans is one thing, magical creatures another entirely. Not sure which side of the line is which, though. To the traveling merchant, he contributes, You're brave, to journey so far out with no escort save by chance.
Merion tries to avoid his eyes widening as he takes his share of the proceeds. He carefully places it in an interior pouch under his vest, and takes his place on his horse by the side of the wagon. Ready to move on, for sure. As the group rides along, he tries to get a sense of Albin's mood, as his destination is one step closer. He'll ride up to where the man is, and gesturing to the forest just at horizon to the south, ask Is this the wood your castle is in?
Merion can't help but give a whistle at the cost to cross the bridge. To Ewan, he says in slightly above a whisper, This double-tolling can't be good for business. Maybe we can find a different route back, avoid the trouble that's clearly afoot here.
Merion nods. That is true, it's the owners of the goods who make the gold. Unless the goods are sufficiently valuable to make what you can carry on your person worth it. Like the mysterious treasure our Albin said we might find. Merion's mind wanders to stories he's heard of adventurers and enchanted items.
Merion watches the crowd of townsfolk, looking for any sign of imminent violence. If he finds none, he waits to see the direction Nempura is walking in, then moves to follow Ewan inside. The swordsman did not stay too long, however, and Merion catches up to him. Once the others have taken their pick, he asks, taking one of the remainder, What sort of food did they have on offer?
Merion, seeing Nempura about to ask, sidles up to her, gesturing to the people she's curious about and whispering Probably followers of one of the local lords. Local politics personified. If we looked closely I bet we'd see others in the other one's colors. Staying out of local politics and all, right? Merion checks his and his companions' clothing to see if they tend toward the colors in one or another of the banners.
Yes, let's be quiet about all that, Merion adds. Local politics is as vicious as anything, and we can't brook delay. He gestures to the covered card. Those fish and all.
Exotic fish, that's it? Merion is disappointed to hear such a mundane answer, and secretly by the quiet journey to Longbridge. Knowledge(Local):
As the caravan rides into the village, Merion's mind goes back to some correspondence Lady Pakkanen had him draft a while back. He's heard of this town. Dwarves built it, I believe., he rejoins to Ewan and Ivar. With a nod to Helgar, he adds Great builders, for certain.
Perhaps on the way back we'll have more time. Or I can send Robin to investigate, if we know the direction the lake is in. Merion sounds intrigued, and elides over not having heard of the forbidden lake either. So many strange doings pique his natural curiosity.
Merion laughs. Picky lot, the Tower. I'm not much more than an apprentice, but I know a few tricks. Glad to share what I can, especially in exchange for your swordfighting lessons. Checking the last few straps on the horse he had been riding, Merion winces at some of yesterday's bruises. He smiles, though, thinking of the excitement. I wonder what adventures this next day will bring?
Merion does not take long to get his things together, stashed as they are by the wagons where he slept (the most important remained on his person, of course). As they wait, he asks Ewan, You studied to be a wizard as well? You've done a lot of different things.
That's correct for me, I spent almost everything.
I'm fine with any combination. It's always nice to have a strong archer.
Merion picks up on Nempura's desire to conduct whatever business she has at the castle alone, and watches her go. So open a personality, like Ewan but more polished about it. Or maybe I'm an insider now, after the battle against the bandits. He returns to the Footsore Wanderer, again catching the end of Ewan's exchange with Findal and sitting quietly to listen.
Good point, Ewan. How might a druid know that spell? There's any number of ways, but what seems most likely?
To Nempura:
No, I didn't bring him, Merion says, and lets a bit of concern into his voice given this information. We'd do well to keep it safe, then, until our return. I've never really left the city, so I won't be help finding those locations, I don't think. Merion may have this conversation following Nempura on her way to the castle.
If/when he is able to get Nempura away from prying ears, Merion asks her The significance of this child, and the garment, seem to me to be more a matter of lore and the gods than the arcane. Lady Pakkanen sent me with the garment in case it proved useful to us--what do you think she might have intended by that?
Merion is, excited by the events of yesterday, thinking of this as one would, well, a D&D adventure--exciting, well beyond his normal life, and only very secondarily dangerous. He'll go along with the party with any option, but personally is in favor of pushing on to complete Albin's quest.
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